The San Antonio Spurs have returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2013, completing a historic postseason run with a dramatic 113–106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs, led by 20-year-old French sensation Victor Wembanyama and the emotional return of Manu Ginobili, will now face the Boston Celtics in the league’s championship series, beginning June 1.

This represents the Spurs’ first Finals appearance since Tim Duncan’s final season in 2013, ending a 12-year drought that began when they lost to the Miami Heat in six games. The victory also marks the culmination of a season where Wembanyama—drafted No. 1 overall in 2023—has redefined the center position with his unmatched height (7’4”), shot-blocking (3.3 blocks per game, league-leading), and three-point shooting (38.5% from deep). For Ginobili, a six-time NBA champion and Spurs legend, this run is a bittersweet homecoming after retiring in 2018.

The Thunder, who had pushed the Spurs to the brink with a 3–2 series lead, fell short in a game defined by Wembanyama’s dominance (30 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Ginobili’s clutch play (18 points, 6 assists). The Spurs’ resilience—losing their first two games before rallying—mirrors their 2013 Finals run, when they overcame a 3–1 deficit against the Heat.

Key Takeaways: How the Spurs Did It

• Wembanyama’s breakout: Averaged 26.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in the series, including a 36-point, 16-rebound, 6-block performance in Game 6. His ability to guard multiple positions and shoot from anywhere neutralized the Thunder’s star duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24.3 PPG) and C.J. Osorio (18.0 PPG).
• Ginobili’s emotional leadership: Played 35 minutes in Game 7, hitting two critical three-pointers in the fourth quarter. His presence—both on and off the court—revitalized a franchise that had struggled with identity since Duncan’s retirement.
• Thunder’s collapse: Oklahoma City’s defense, which had held the Spurs to 105.6 points per game in the regular season, was exposed by Wembanyama’s versatility and the Spurs’ improved spacing. The Thunder’s offense (104.1 PPG in the series) was outpaced by San Antonio’s (112.3 PPG).
• Coaching masterstroke: Gregg Popovich’s adjustments—playing small-lineup rotations to exploit matchup advantages and emphasizing transition offense—paid off in the clutch. The Spurs’ 2023–24 season (52–30 record) was their best since 2016.
• Home-court advantage: The Spurs won three of the last four games in San Antonio (AT&T Center), where the crowd’s energy—especially in Game 7—proved decisive. The Thunder’s road struggles (10–10 away) were a key factor.

Three Moments That Secured the Spurs’ Destiny

The Game 7 victory was far from a foregone conclusion. Here’s how the Spurs turned the tide:

1. Wembanyama’s Early Dominance (First Quarter)

Wembanyama scored 10 of his 30 points in the first quarter, including a dunk over Osorio and a step-back three-pointer over a collapsed defense. His presence alone forced the Thunder to abandon their usual schemes, leading to turnovers (12 in the game) and second-chance points for San Antonio.

2. Ginobili’s Clutch Three (4:30 Remaining)

With the Thunder leading 106–105, Ginobili drained a three-pointer from the right wing to tie the game. His follow-up assist to Keldon Johnson set up the Spurs’ final scoring push. The moment was a microcosm of his career: a high-stakes shot in a high-pressure situation.

3. The Thunder’s Collapse (Final 2:30)

The Thunder’s offense stalled in the fourth quarter, going 0–10 from the field in a 2:30 stretch. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ bench (led by DeMar DeRozan, 14 points) outscored Oklahoma City 24–10. The Thunder’s inability to close out games—a recurring theme this postseason—sealed their fate.

From Duncan’s Era to Wembanyama’s Future: How the Spurs Rebuilt

The Spurs’ return to the Finals is the capstone of a franchise-wide rebuild that began in 2018, when they traded Duncan and Tim Hardaway Jr. In a desperate attempt to return to relevance. The core pieces—Popovich’s system, Kawhi Leonard’s brief tenure (2018–2019), and the drafting of Dejounte Murray (2019) and Wembanyama (2023)—finally came together this season.

Key milestones in the Spurs’ resurrection:

• 2020–2022: Missed the playoffs twice, finishing 25–47 and 28–54.
• 2022–2023: Drafted Wembanyama (No. 1 overall) and traded for Murray, then went 44–38 to return to the playoffs.
• 2023–2024: Wembanyama’s rookie year (22.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.8 BPG) and Ginobili’s return (12.3 PPG, 5.3 APG) propelled the Spurs to the No. 3 seed and a first-round upset of the Denver Nuggets.
• 2024 Playoffs: Defeated the Memphis Grizzlies (4–1), the Phoenix Suns (4–0), and the Thunder (4–3) to reach the Finals.

The Spurs’ path mirrors that of the 2003 team—another group of underdogs led by a young superstar (Duncan) and a veteran leader (Ginobili)—that won the NBA title. This time, Wembanyama is the franchise cornerstone, and Ginobili’s role as a mentor and floor general has been invaluable.

The Road to the Finals: Spurs vs. Celtics

The Spurs will face the Boston Celtics, who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in six games to claim the Eastern Conference title. The series begins June 1 at the TD Garden in Boston, with Game 2 at the AT&T Center on June 4.

Key factors for the Spurs:

• Defensive intensity: The Celtics’ defense (2nd in the league, 105.6 PPG allowed) will test Wembanyama’s versatility. Can he guard Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a 1-on-1 setting?
• Three-point shooting: The Spurs (36.1% from deep) must improve their accuracy against Boston’s elite perimeter defense. Tatum (40.5% 3PT) and Brown (37.8% 3PT) will be relentless.
• Injury concerns: The Spurs enter the Finals with a full roster, but the Thunder’s series wear-and-tear could impact key players. Wembanyama (30.3 MPG in the series) and Ginobili (35.0 MPG) will need to manage fatigue.
• Coaching adjustments: Popovich will likely continue playing small-lineup rotations, but the Celtics’ size advantage (Tatum and Brown are both 6’8”) could force more traditional lineups.

The Spurs’ journey from playoff underdogs to Finals contenders is a testament to resilience. Now, they must prove they can compete with the Celtics—a team that has dominated the East with Tatum’s MVP-caliber play (31.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 4.9 APG) and Brown’s all-around excellence (22.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.3 APG).

“This Is Just the Beginning”: Wembanyama and Ginobili Reflect

Wembanyama, who has carried the Spurs since his rookie season, spoke to reporters after the game with a mix of exhaustion and determination:

“I knew we had to come back. The team believed in me, and I believed in them. This is just the beginning. We’re not done yet.”

—Victor Wembanyama, Game 7

Ginobili, who played his final NBA game in 2018, was emotional during the postgame press conference:

“To be back here, in the Finals, after all these years… it’s surreal. But we’re not here to celebrate. We’re here to win. The team has worked too hard for anything less.”

—Manu Ginobili, Game 7

Popovich, ever the stoic, focused on the task ahead:

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. The Celtics are a great team, and they’re going to come after us hard. But we’ve shown we can handle pressure.”

—Gregg Popovich, Game 7

Numbers That Define the Spurs’ Playoff Run

Why This Matters: The Spurs’ Legacy and the NBA’s Future

The Spurs’ Finals appearance is more than a personal triumph for Wembanyama and Ginobili—it’s a statement about the evolution of the NBA. Here’s why this run resonates:

• A new dynasty in the making? The Spurs’ combination of youth (Wembanyama, Murray, Johnson) and experience (Ginobili, DeRozan) could position them as a title contender for years. If they win this year, they’ll join the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors as modern-era franchises with multiple championships.
• The center position redefined: Wembanyama’s success challenges traditional notions of how centers should play. His ability to shoot, pass, and guard multiple positions has forced teams to rethink their defensive schemes. If the Spurs win, it could accelerate the league’s shift toward smaller, more versatile substantial men.
• Popovich’s final chapter: At 75 years old, Popovich is entering the final years of his legendary coaching career. A Finals win would cement his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, while a loss could mark the end of an era for the Spurs.
• Ginobili’s redemption: After retiring without a championship, Ginobili’s return has given the Spurs a leader who understands what it takes to win. His influence extends beyond statistics—his locker-room presence and ability to elevate teammates have been critical.
• A franchise reborn: The Spurs’ return to the Finals is a reminder that even storied franchises can rebuild. Their journey from playoff misses to title contenders offers hope to other teams struggling to find their identity.

How to Watch: Spurs vs. Celtics Schedule and Broadcast Info

The NBA Finals will tip off June 1 at the TD Garden in Boston. Here’s the schedule and how to watch:

• Game 1: June 1, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), TD Garden (Boston)
• Game 2: June 4, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), AT&T Center (San Antonio)
• Game 3: June 6, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), TD Garden (Boston)
• Game 4: June 9, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), AT&T Center (San Antonio)
• Game 5 (if needed): June 12, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), TD Garden (Boston)
• Game 6 (if needed): June 15, 8:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM ET), AT&T Center (San Antonio)

Broadcast information:

• United States: TNT, TBS, NBA League Pass
• International: ESPN, DAZN, NBA League Pass (varies by region)
• Live stats: NBA Stats
• Official updates: San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Spurs’ Finals Run

Next Up: Spurs vs. Celtics, Game 1 – June 1

The NBA Finals begin June 1 at the TD Garden in Boston. The Spurs will look to build on their momentum from Game 7, while the Celtics will aim to close out the series quickly. With both teams at full strength, this promises to be one of the most competitive Finals in recent memory.

For now, the Spurs celebrate their historic return to the Finals—but the real work begins next week. As Ginobili put it: “We’re not here to celebrate. We’re here to win.”